A KILMINGTON family run farm has been hit by thieves who made off with a lorry and tank of diesel, worth over �17,000.

Coryton Farm, run by father and son Peter and Arnold Dare, was burgled for the third time this year, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Peter said: “My wife went down to the site in the morning and discovered somebody had broken into the workshop. They had taken the six wheel lorry and container and filled up with diesel.

“It’s happened before – the offenders should be locked up.”

But he said they were lucky no animals were taken and said security would be tightened further at the cattle farm.

Police said such crimes are uncommon and are appealing for witnesses.

Sergeant Pete Trudgeon, based at Axminster police station, said: “We have had farm burglaries in the past, but this is unusual because a lorry was stolen during the break-in.

“I would advise farmers to protect their property by recording all serial numbers on equipment and security mark property, which the police can offer free of charge.”

Police figures show a slight rise in farm crime, despite an overall drop in rural crime.

The burglary took place between 6.30pm on August 28 and 7.30am on August 29.

The lorry registration is N425 CBW.

Anyone with information can call police on 08452 777 444.

l For more information on protecting farms, visit http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/CrimePrevention/BurglaryTheft/Pages/Theftfromfarmsandoutbuildings.aspx